*
banner

Banding couple call for banding help with mining museum

A small mining museum run by a former CWS (Manchester) bandsman and his wife are looking for help to celebrate the connection between the industry and brass bands.

Museum
  Carole Johnson polishes an old miner's lamp at the Woodend Mining Museum

Photographer Lorne Campbell continues to make sure that the brass band movement is kept in the mind's eye of the national press with his fantastic images once again making it to the pages of leading regional and national publications.

Harry and Carole Johnson (above) own and run Woodend Mining Museum near Burnley in Lancashire.

Bandsman

Harry (74), started playing cornet with the famous Irwell Springs Band and was tutored by Clifton Jones, who played for Bickershaw Colliery. In May 1964 he joined CWS (Manchester) Band and played on the front row under Alex Mortimer for four years before leaving to play in local bands.

Although his work as a coach driver meant he gave up full time banding in 1980, he still plays the cornet at his home today.

When the couple bought some additional land next to their small farm they found that the capped shaft of the former Woodend Colliery was on their land. It closed in 1959.

When the couple bought some additional land next to their small farm they found that the capped shaft of the former Woodend Colliery was on their land. It closed in 19594BR

Memorabilia help

Carole has since opened a small museum and is appealing to any local colliery bands to see if they would donate any memorabilia on loan or photocopies of photographs which can be displayed to celebrate the mining heritage of the area.

Her e-mail address is carole3149@outlook.com

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Hepworth

Result: 2026 Brighouse March & Hymn Tune Contest

July 6 • Hepworth carries on its dominance of the lucrative march and hymn tune circuit with victory at the Brighouse event under MD Ryan Watkins.


Milnrow

Result: 2026 Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

July 6 • Milnrow adds another march and hymn tune title as they build confidence and bank balances ahead of autumn majors.


hIGGINBOTTOM

Death of Gordon Higginbottom

July 6 • The death has been announced of the celebrated tenor horn soloist, tutor, clinician, conductor and adjudicator, Gordon Higginbottom.


NYBBGB

Ticket sales boost for National Youth Bands

July 5 • Tickets for the end of course performances of both the National Children's Band and National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain are bring snapped up quickly.


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Sherborne Town Band

July 5 • We have positions available for dedicated players on Euphonium, Cornet and Trombone in our fun, friendly Dorset based band.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd